Nearly half of dog owners said they would consider euthanizing their pets if they were diagnosed with a condition requiring costly treatment that was financially difficult to pay, according to a new survey by Canine Journal. That is one of the sobering statistics that show “economic euthanasia” — making a medical decision based on finances rather than what is best for the pet — is sadly common. Unnecessary euthanasia is one of the consequences of the ever-increasing cost of veterinary care. When an emergency room visit costs $5,000 or more, it’s no wonder that many pet parents cannot pay ..read more

As pet parents, we want to provide our furry friends with a safe and healthy environment. However, it’s easy to forget that our unhealthy habits can significantly impact their well-being. One of the most common and harmful habits is smoking around our pets. Smoking, especially indoors, creates secondhand smoke, affecting everyone in the home, including pets. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can be just as dangerous for our pets as it is for us. Secondhand smoke from marijuana is also unhealthy and carries some additional risks. We’ll explore the effects of secondhand smoke o ..read more

In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week, here are some of the top toxins for dogs and cats. The post Infographic: National Animal Poison Prevention Week appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws ..read more

What is Librela? Librela, a new drug designed to treat osteoarthritis in dogs, is being praised as a “miracle drug” by some pet parents who say it has dramatically improved their pet’s activity and comfort level. However, the drug does have some side effects and risks and has not been studied long-term, so pet parents need to be aware of the trade-offs. Librela was approved in the U.S. by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) last May and is now widely available through veterinarian’s offices. Manufactured by Zoetis, a leading animal health company, it is the first injectable drug to be approv ..read more

As urban areas become more densely populated, more people are opting to keep pets in the city. While city living can present unique challenges for pets, they can also thrive with proper care and attention. However, there are some special hazards that urban pets might face that pet parents should be aware of. Potential hazards for urban pets Traffic One of the most dangerous risks for urban pets is traffic. With so many cars and buses on the roads, pets can easily be hit by a car if they are not kept on a short leash or in a carrier. It’s essential always to keep your pet under control when you ..read more

In late summer 2023, reports started surfacing of a mystery dog illness that caused lingering respiratory signs and didn’t respond well to treatment. Understandably, dog parents are worried about this new illness and what it might mean for their dogs. Although many unknowns remain about this illness, we’re here to provide you with the latest information and help you learn how to protect your dog from becoming infected with this mystery disease. Illness Origins The mystery dog illness is commonly called atypical canine infectious respiratory disease complex (aCIRDC). Experts believe that the ou ..read more

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020, there’s been a marked increase in the number of people who are skeptical of vaccinations, primarily due to misinformation. Even some presidential candidates and high-ranking public officials cast doubt on the value of human vaccines.  Health researchers estimate that COVID-19 vaccinations likely saved 2.4 million lives between January and August 2021. Despite this success, an increasing number of people express concerns over the benefits of vaccination. But that wariness does not just impact humans – a study published in the jou ..read more

Diagnosis: Acromegaly Cost: $11,472 | Healthy Paws reimbursed:$8,862 Coverage options:  80 percent reimbursement | $250 deductible Hudson is a 9-year-old stocky, yellow English Labrador with a big blocky head. Typical of his breed, he adores “every living thing” – kids, dogs, adult humans, and other animals, said his pet parent Teresa. “He is absolutely a lover and has never uttered or moaned a complaint despite his last few years earning him plenty to be unhappy about,” Teresa said. “He loves to cuddle on the couch and eat. Walks in the woods with soft ground underfoot are his favor ..read more

If your pet is a fast eater, has digestion issues, or doesn’t drink enough water, consider a special type of food and water bowl for your dog or cat. Slow feeder bowls for dogs and cats When it comes to mealtime, some dogs are far too eager. They swallow mouthfuls of kibble without chewing and they seem to eat every meal as though it’s their last. It’s a positive sign for your dog to have a healthy appetite, but chowing down too quickly can cause a health issue. Eating too fast puts your dog at risk of: Choking Vomiting Gastrointestinal discomfort Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV or bloat ..read more

Probiotics have become increasingly popular in human health. Similarly, probiotics are gaining traction in the pet world. But what exactly are probiotics? How do they work, and can dogs benefit from taking them? Let’s take a deep dive into probiotics and answer your questions about this hot topic in pet health and nutrition. What Are Probiotics? First things first, let’s define what probiotics are. Probiotics are microorganisms—primarily bacteria, but also some yeast—that live in the gut. They make up what is known as the ‘gut microbiome’ and are known as good bacteria. You may have also heard ..read more